'Nuisance tariffs' to be cut on hundreds of imported items

Taxes on hundreds of imported items such as toothbrushes, tampons and tools will be removed to make life easier for businesses.

"Nuisance tariffs" currently apply to a wide range of imported goods, including fridges, dishwashers, clothing, and menstrual and sanitary products.

The government is planning to remove the tariffs on around 500 items, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced today.

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He said the removal of the tax will bring "relief for business and consumers, by reducing unnecessary costs".

The tariffs are raising very little money as many of the products they apply to arrive under a concessional rate.

However, the process for businesses to apply for this concession is "imposing unnecessary administrative costs and compliance burdens".

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The removal of the five per cent import tax is aimed at streamlining the process, and as a result saving people time, money and reducing red tape.

Pens, chopsticks and toasters are also on the list of items to have tariff removed.

The full list will be released in the May budget, and the changes will come into effect on July 1.